Stories about Indigenous from October, 2011
Brazil: Mobilization Against Racism Towards Indigenous Peoples
Following the occupation of the Belo Monte construction site, socio-environmental student Robson Fernando, from the blog Consciência, denounces [pt] racist comments left by readers of Folha de São Paulo on the newspaper's website against the Brazilian indigenous population. On another post, Fernando calls those who propagate prejudice and hatred to...
Botswana: Government Decides Not to Recognise Recognise Bakgatla Paramount
Lauri comments on the decision by the government of Botswana not to recognise the paramount chief of the Bakgtla: “I wrote before about the controversy around Kgosi Kgafela but since then things have grown quite tense between the Bakgatla chief and the Khama administration. Kgafela was brought before the court...
Guatemala: Three Generals Finally Arrested and Indicted for Genocide
Guatemalan courts are set to face a challenge without precedent in the country: prosecuting genocide. After three decades of failed efforts to prosecute the Guatemalan Army, three generals stand accused of perpetrating genocide and other war crimes against the Maya Ixil people.
Brazil: Belo Monte Dam Construction Site is Occupied
Indigenous Missionary Council (CIMI) reports [pt] that 600 people have occupied Belo Monte Dam construction site in Altamira, brazilian state of Pará. Journalist Beth Begonha (@BethBegonha) said [pt] that Kayapó people from the village of Gurupira will join the protest shortly. This action was decided yesterday, with news that the...
Guatemala: Photo Essay Tells Story of Staunch Anti-Mining Activist
Photojournalist James Rodríguez has published a photo essay on the conflict around the Canadian-owned Marlin gold mine. He highlights the bravery and persistence of anti-mining activist Diodora Hernandez, who “was shot point-blank on the right eye outside her home in the small community of San José Nueva Esperanza – only...
USA: The Challenge of Diversity in the “Occupy” Movement
One month since the initial occupation of the financial district of New York, Wall Street, collective actions in the city continue to diversify. Activists and organizations from minority communities have begun to join and also express their indignation.
Bolivia: President Says Road Will Not Go Through TIPNIS
Dario Kenner reports form La Paz: “In a press conference this morning President Evo Morales said the road project his government has been determined to build will not go through the TIPNIS national park and indigenous territory. This is a dramatic change in policy. It comes after a two month...
Colombia: Indigenous Peoples Speak Out Against Hotel Project in Sacred Territory
“The Elder ‘Mamos’ or Spiritual leaders of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, have expressed profound concern over plans to build a new seven-star hotel on their ancestral territory within the Tayrona National Park in northern Colombia” –Ahni reports in Intercontinental Cry.
Brazil: Belo Monte Dam Case Comes to Court
The Brazilian justice system has provided new fuel to the protesting voices against the Belo Monte hydroelectric power plant, after its construction begun in June 2011. A lawsuit filed in 2006 by the state of Pará was brought to court on October 17.
Bolivia: TIPNIS Indigenous Marchers Arrive in La Paz
The indigenous marchers of the TIPNIS reached their final destination of La Paz, Bolivia, where they were greeted as heroes by the city's residents. They still have hopes of meeting with the President and to get his commitment to halt the highway construction through their territory.
Bolivia: Interview With Indigenous Leader on TIPNIS March
Dario Kenner has updated his blog Bolivia Diary with pictures and information on the march to defend the Indigenous Territory and National Park Isiboro Sécure (TIPNIS) which, as he reports, “is getting very close to La Paz and should arrive this Wednesday”. He also interviewed indigenous leader Walberto Baraona.
Brazil: Violence Against Indigenous Fulni-o Tapuya
Brazilian blogger Danielle Pereira, on Diário Liberdade, denounces [pt] (with photos and videos) abuses and violence committed by the police of Brasilia against members of the indigenous community Fulni-o Tapuya. The people are claiming land that historically belongs to them, but that was delivered to a private company by the...
Uruguay Celebrates its Bicentennial
This year Uruguay is celebrating the bicentennial of its "emancipation process". Events to commemorate the beginning of the country's independence struggle have been scheduled to take place throughout the year.
Bolivia: TIPNIS Marchers Determined to Reach La Paz
Dario Kenner updates his blog on the ongoing TIPNIS conflict. Despite last week's police repression, marchers are determined to reach La Paz. Dario says there are two main unanswered questions: “Will the government listen to the signals and change its positions?” and “Who gave the order for the police repression...
Zambia: Appointment of White Vice President Causes Online Buzz
The shocking, but not entirely unexpected, appointment of Zambia's new Vice President Guy Scott has created buzz online. Scott is an indigenous white Zambian. Gershom Ndhlovu reports.
